Mother of shooting victim sues teens involved

The woman whose son was shot dead two years ago is suing the teens involved and their parents.

Lanell Allmer of La Salle lost her son, Robert Watson, in the early hours of Sept. 29, 2001. He was 16.

The lawsuit filed in Weld District Court accuses the five boys – most whom are now men – of negligence and their parents of failing to supervise their children, all resulting in Watson’s death.

“I don’t feel like I really got justice. Basically, I want to set an example and send a message,” Allmer said. “It’s been really hard because I try to obey the law, and I have the expectation that the law would protect me.”

She described being disillusioned and disgusted with the justice system.

John Anthony Silva and Trinidad Ramos are serving time for Watson’s death.

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A jury found Silva guilty of manslaughter in October 2002, and a judge sentenced him to 12 years in prison.

Ramos pleaded guilty to manslaughter, and a judge sentenced him to 10 years in prison, which will be suspended if he completes six years in a youth offender program.

Several others who were present during the shooting testified during Silva’s trial and received immunity from prosecution.

Allmer is suing Silva, Ramos, Jose Daniel Santillan, Rafael Ibarra and Jacob Martinez. She said the latter three were with Silva and Ramos during

the drive-by shooting.

Allmer and her attorney, Jim Peters of Denver, also want to send the message that parents have to be aware of what their children are doing.

“The parents had a duty to watch out for the children and know what was going on,” Peters said. “I want to send a message to the community that it’s not acceptable. People can’t turn a blind eye to what’s going on with guns.”

The suit alleges the parents allowed their children to amass a cache of weapons in their homes, associate with gangs, use their vehicles, allow them “extraordinary privileges” and permit their children to possess stolen handguns.

Most defendants have unlisted phone numbers and could not be reached for comment. Denver lawyer John Rodman will represent Richard and Jacob Martinez.

However, he said he just got the case this week and couldn’t comment until he consults with his clients.

None of the defendants have filed answers to the lawsuit with the court. They were notified of the suit last week and have 20 days to file responses.